Endorsed
by the Indy, the Sierra Club, and the
Daily Tar Heel

I
am running for the District 1 seat on the Orange Board of County
Commissioners. The current Commissioner in that seat, Alice Gordon, has
made long-lasting contributions to our County and, when she retires
from the Commission next December, will leave big shoes to fill. I look
forward to seeking her advice as well as that of the many dedicated,
effective leaders who serve throughout Orange County.

I have lived in all three points of the Triangle, but 18 years ago we
chose to move to Orange County. Our county is a wonderful place,
thanks to the visionary leadership we have been so fortunate to have.
My children have thrived in the public schools and benefited from our
great county sports facilities. All four of us have enjoyed the natural
beauty preserved by previous generations and the increasing options for
activities and dining in our towns. It’s because of these opportunities
locally that I have chosen public service as a way to show my gratitude
and give back to our community and its citizens.

I can contribute to the continued successful leadership of Orange
County because I have the knowledge and skills honed through six years
of service on the Chapel Hill School Board, including as Chair and Vice
Chair, and my professional work with numerous Orange County nonprofits
that serve youth and improve access to reproductive health. Both
professionally and as a public servant, I have developed an excellent
understanding of the County budget which is where many of the county's
values are reflected. I have built effective working relationships with
leaders of the towns, the county and the Orange County Schools. I have
worked to decrease tension between our two school districts and focus
on our shared goals of serving all our children well. I will continue
to build my relationships with other local leaders to close other gaps
between governing bodies so we can serve all our citizens well.

My passion is promoting strong institutions that build our human
capital. I will be an avid supporter of our public schools and our
community college. For the first time in over two decades there are no
County Commissioners who have been employed by our school systems or
have served on a School Board. The County’s single largest expenditure,
nearly half its funds, is for our public schools so it is important to
have a Commissioner who has a detailed understanding of how those funds
are spent.

I will also advocate for human services, including emergency services,
and the rights of those who have typically been overlooked. I want to
be part of the final resolution of the challenges at Rogers Road and
look forward to promoting responsible and balanced economic development
to help meet all those needs while keeping our County's healthy
financial status.

I hope you will share with me your thoughts regarding what you think is
working well in Orange County government and what needs attention. I
have counted on this type of citizen feedback in my years as a school
board member and will continue to do so as your County Commissioner.